Christmas in the city… it can be beautiful, exciting, and memorable – even if you can’t make it home for the holidays.
If you’re going to spend the holidays away from the family home, it should be a little more memorable than your typical night out.
It simply doesn’t get any more classically ‘Christmas in Toronto” than the iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Though we could list more reasons than a greedy kid has on his list to Santa, here are just 10 reasons to book ‘Festive’ at Fairmont Royal York this year:
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It’s Rich With Tradition and Fit for Royalty
The holidays are about tradition and history – even if you create a whole new one for yourself this year. A meal at the Royal York means you’ll be dining like royalty in one of Toronto’s most historic buildings. Fairmont Royal York is 86-years-old and has served three generations of the British Royal Family. So, when we say, “it’s fit for royalty,” we’re serious.
There’s No Shortage of Photo Ops
Not that we need to remind you, Fairmont Royal York is one of the most popular places in Toronto to “take a selfie,” but it provides an especially worthy photo op when it’s all decked out for the holidays. The hotel Lobby Clock and Christmas tree is the most photographed area in the hotel during Christmas (and if you’ve seen it, you know exactly why).
The Massive Christmas Tree Offers Consolation to Your Lack of One
Odds are, if you don’t have kids and aren’t heading home for the holidays, you probably don’t have a Christmas tree. When it comes to the tree, Fairmont Royal York has you covered. Standing 22ft tall and decorated with more than 15,000 lights and countless vintage ornaments, the hotel has one of the most magnificent trees in the city.
Dinner Comes Complete With a Festive Backdrop
Not only is a meal at EPIC – an award-winning 4-Diamond restaurant – guaranteed to be just as good (but, really, probably better) than your mom’s holiday feast, it comes with a view of the festive-themed lobby. It’s not just about the massive tree – it takes a full month to prepare the hotel with holiday decorations. The lobby features 8 “A Christmas Carol”-themed butter sculptures (intricately hand-carved by one of the talented hotel chefs), 47 Christmas trees, and 40,000 Christmas bulbs on over 100 wreaths and boughs decorated by two full-time “Christmas Elves”.
It’s Feel-Good-Holiday-Movie-Worthy
Do you believe in Serendipity? ‘Cause the popular holiday movie starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale was filmed at Fairmont Royal York. After a glass of champagne or two, you and yours may even want to reenact a scene or two (but please, capture it on video).
The Library Bar Has Mastered the Art of the Classic Cocktail
If there’s ever a time to opt for post-dinner drinks, it’s during the holidays – especially when Fairmont Royal York’s famous Library Bar is part of the equation. If martinis are your thing, the bar is famous for crafting some of the best in the city.
There’s a Full Holiday Market Across the Street
If you’re not up for a cocktail after dining, you can walk on over to the brand new Union Station Holiday Market, located in an Instagram-worthy winter-themed glass tent outside of Union Station, just steps away from the hotel’s front doors. Here, you’ll visit over 30 artisan shops and gourmet food vendors from in and around Toronto. Did we mention it’s also free?
It Makes It Easy to Pretend You’re a Chef
If you’re planning to host at home this year, you can let Fairmont Royal York worry about the mess and cooking – you just worry about the in-laws. Their Festive Dinner To-Go comes with all of the fixings and starts at $210. Not only can you feel good about “your culinary skills,” you can feel better knowing that you’ll be supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank. The hotel supports the Daily Bread Food Bank by donating turkeys over the holiday season.
You’ll Eat Local
EPIC Restaurant uses nothing but the freshest, locally sourced ingredients, all within 100km of the hotel. You can rest assured that your Christmas Day Dinner will be nothing short of delicious, and carefully-crafted by the hotel’s award-winning culinary team, led by Chef de Cuisine Joshua Dyer, who was recently recognized as one of 2015’s Top 30 Under 30 by the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance (NBD).
Front Street is Enjoyable Again
After three years of being closed off, Front Street – right outside of Fairmont Royal York’s doors – is now once again fully accessible and will be transformed into a stunning winter wonderland, lined with trees and glowing lights – perfect for another fantastic photo op (because we can never get enough of those).
This post was sponsored by the Fairmont Royal York.
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